Financial

There are sound financial reasons for aircraft ownership. Beyond the money saved on overnight trips, delays caused by airlines, and other miscellaneous expenses, owning an airplane has definite tax advantages.

The Pittsburgh Flying Club is looking to get a new aircraft and Frank Beresnyak asked for help on the AOPA Facebook Flying Club page. He detailed the club’s current cost structure and what it would be for each aircraft and asked, “If given the choice between the 172 and 182, which would you choose? Would an increase in dues cause you to go elsewhere to rent/fly?” Several club members provided useful ideas on how to best make the decision.

A New York pilot got more than he bargained for when he made a fuel stop in Pennsylvania on a flight to Chicago: a bill from the commonwealth demanding payment of a tax equal to 6 percent of the value of his Cessna 210N single-engine airplane.

The Cessna 150 has been used to teach pilots to fly for decades and is still going strong. It is durable, simple to fly to and inexpensive to operate. It may not be fancy, but most pilots have a soft spot for this reliable little trainer. Pocono Mountains Flying Club President Paul Houle shares how his club is creating new pilots with the venerable Cessna 150.

When someone is willing to travel 90 miles to become a member of your club and take flight lessons, you must be doing something right. The Pocono Mountains Flying Club in northeast Pennsylvania is doing a lot right, and has a model worth replicating if you are interested in starting a club with low rates and a focus on flight training.